Zinc rooftops of Paris: A closer look at the iconic roofscape 

Have you ever stopped to consider the iconic rooftops of Paris? This week marks the season finale of the Earful Tower’s ABC-son. We wanted to finish on a high so we literally did: we went up on the zinc rooftops of Paris and spoke with one of the city’s roofers.

The Earful Tower podcast episode

In this episode, you’ll hear the voice of Constance Allard who offers zinc design workshops in the Marais, and Frédéric Cordier, one of the roofers of Paris. You can listen below, or wherever you get your podcasts.

But first, what’s the history of Paris’s zinc rooftops?

The rooftops of Paris are made using zinc and are built in the Mansard roof style. These zinc rooftops were largely installed across Paris during the city’s massive redo during the 1800s under city planner Baron Haussmann. He chose zinc as it was cheap, light, weather repellant, and easy to install.

One of today’s podcast guests, roofer Frédéric Cordier, explained how roofers today are often relaying zinc exactly as it was laid generations ago. A typical roof can take 6 month to renew, and all the cuts and bends are made up at the top of the scaffolding.

In general, the Mansard roof is characterised by its steep slope which allows for more habitable space inside.

What’s it like to be a roofer?

Frédéric Cordier, pictured below, shared an insight to his metier.

“I’ve worked for 30 years as a roofer, but I feel like I’ve never worked in my life. It’s not a job, it is a way to live. We have a shared language, a way to recognise one another, mutual respect for the work and sure we have someone who has the strongest knowledge of slate but it’s a family. “

Frédéric also revealed the secret “roofer’s whistle”. You’ll have to listen to the episode to hear the actual whistle, but it’s a way for roofers to get each other’s attention, perhaps chat about work, and then take a drink together afterwards.

How are the zinc rooftops of Paris maintained?

If you’ve ever looked closely at a Parisian rooftop there is so much intricate detail, it’s not just zinc panels laid one over the other. There are the gutters, eaves, joints, gables, ridges, vents, and of course, decorative ornaments. And that’s just a small part of it all!

Below you can see a worker at the famed plieuse that we mentioned in the episode. It’s like a desktop with special edges for folding and plying the zinc.

Repair work

Every 60 or 70 years, the whole rooftop needs to be replaced, which is what was going on during out visit. Sometimes the roofers are just called in to repair damage or fix a gutter or a leak.

Below, a roofer called William makes a spout in mere minutes.

Frederic added that there’s a “constant inspiration to be artistic” when working on the roofs of Paris.

“Sometimes we add zinc figures or ornaments that serve no other purpose than to make the rooftop look beautiful. We are always looking to add our own personal flare to make a roof unique. And that is the magic of the Paris rooftops.”

More pictures from the top

All the pictures from the rooftop are from Augusta Sagnelli.

The roofers at work

A look inside inside the workshop

Also on this week’s podcast was Constance Allard, pictured below. She runs the workshop les Toits Parisiens, which offers zinc and slate making courses. Here’s a look at her spot in the Marais near the Village Saint Paul.

In the episode, she talked a bit more about the craftsmanship and know-how involved in making Parisian zinc rooftops. In fact, this skill itself may well make the next Lists for Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

A big thanks to Cyril Venturini, the head of La Louisiane, the company behind both the workshop and the roofing, for having us along.

The Earful Tower podcast episode

Once again, here’s The Earful Tower’s podcast episode in case you missed it. This marks the end of the ABC-son. You can see the full A to Z here.

Do you like this channel? Become a Patreon member of The Earful Tower here to support it and to unlock extras.

Love everything to do with Paris architecture? Here’s where to find Guimard’s curving and iconic buildings here, take a look inside a unique domed Paris apartment here, or listen to our podcast all about Haussmannian architecture here.

Want to do a Paris walking tour? Find out more here. The music in this episode is from Pres Maxson, find his Substack here.

Photography by Augusta Sagnelli, find her on Substack here. Additional reporting by Charlotte Pleasants.